August 2025

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MPT Expo Has It All

The Motion + Power Technology Expo takes place October 21–23 in Detroit. Here are the top 10 reasons to book your trip today.

Voices

Building Tomorrow’s World: From Steam Trolleys to Space Transportation

Picture this: A century ago, as steam-powered trolleys clanked through city streets and the first automobiles puttered down dirt roads, a group of visionary manufacturers recognized something crucial. The future of human mobility would depend not just on innovation, but on everyone speaking the same language of safety and reliability.

Technical Articles

Morphology of FZG-A Test Gears

This study explores the failure mode morphology of FZG-A test gears. It aims to examine the orphologies of scuffing, scoring, scratches, and polishing using high-magnification light optical microscopy (LOM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images.

A Review on Gear Transmission Error

This paper will review the development process, current research status, characteristics, functions, and measurement methods of TE. It will analyze the difficulties and core issues existing in the basic theory of TE, clarify the limitations and deficiencies of TE, and explore ways to overcome the shortcomings of TE.

Feature Articles

Pack Expo Las Vegas 2025 Celebrates Packaging and Material Handling Solutions

Pack Expo Las Vegas, one of North America’s most comprehensive packaging and processing events is celebrating a milestone: 2025 marks 30 years since the show’s debut. Today, Pack Expo Las Vegas continues to be a global hub for industry innovation and collaboration. Show producer PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, has elevated Pack Expo Las Vegas from a regional trade show to a global industry force—expanding its scale, influence, and relevance across international markets. This year, the show will span over 1 million net square feet, feature 2,300 exhibitors, and expects to attract 35,000 attendees from more than 40 vertical markets. 

Lights-Out Hobbing Performance

For those responsible for running a precision gear shop these days, sleep can be hard to come by. Most are trying to do more with less, particularly the short supply of skilled machine operators who make these shops tick. But Illinois Pulley & Gear’s General Manager Richard Wolter reportedly sleeps like a baby, knowing that when he arrives at his factory in Schaumburg, IL, bright and early every morning, hundreds of high-quality, made-to-order spur gears, pinions and IPG’s bread and butter—tight-tolerance timing pulleys—will have been hobbed overnight, deburred and neatly stacked. Better yet, it’s all done on a productive late-model vertical hobbing machine that’s proven reliable enough to leave it running completely unattended throughout the night, thus adding a much-needed 2nd and 3rd shift without the added cost of a skilled operator—and the hiring angst that goes with it.

Streamlining Drivetrain Design

KISSsoft System Module allows intuitive concept design on a system level. In addition to the elementary components, complete gearboxes can now be designed in a separate module. The focus lies on fast concept building and fast calculations of complex kinematics. This is of benefit particularly in the initial phase of a project, when an engineer needs to be able to roughly model different variants of possible solutions to compare critical criteria.

Built to Last

From a small, rented space with a single machine to a reputable force in heavy industry, Rapid Gear’s story is as much about resilience as it is about engineering excellence. Founded nearly five decades ago by Julian and Ana Sabados, Rapid Gear is more than a gear manufacturer—it’s a testament to the power of hard work, determination, and a willingness to adapt to the needs of an ever-evolving industry. This article explores the journey of Rapid Gear, its milestones, industry impact, and the values that have anchored it in a competitive market. Through exclusive insights from company President Tania Sabados, we uncover how Rapid Gear has continually pushed boundaries, embraced new technologies, and cultivated a supportive company culture that nurtures both legacy and innovation.

Multidomain Innovation at MPT Expo 2025

 

The Motion + Power Technology Expo (MPT Expo) returns to Detroit from October 21–23, 2025, bringing together a comprehensive cross-section of the mechanical, fluid, and electrical power transmission sectors. Hosted in one of North America’s manufacturing hubs, the event serves as a convergence point for engineers, technologists, researchers, and decision-makers involved in the design, production, and integration of power transmission systems.

 

Tech Talk

ISO TC 60 and TC 4 Standardization Work—Our “Alter Ego”

Many of our favorite movie characters carry an alter ego: Clark Kent and Superman, Jekyll and Hyde, Bruce Wayne and Batman…you get my point. Neither nefarious nor secret, the Motion + Power Manufacturers Alliance (MPMA) carries a similar twin. You may be involved in one of our 15 technical committees and the sub-working groups that are involved in one of the 14 open projects (found at agma.org/committees/standards-projects/ or americanbearings.org/industry-standards/), but both AGMA and ABMA divisions are busy helping to develop international standards on the gear and bearing technical committees within the International Standards Organization (ISO). Our ISO “alter ego.”

Frontiers

Look for the Emerging Technology at MPT Expo 2025

In just a few weeks, our industry will gather in Detroit for the 2025 Motion + Power Technology Expo (MPT Expo). This flagship event shines a spotlight on gears and their crucial role in motion systems. The show offers unmatched opportunities for in-person networking, learning and exploration with top experts across the gear and bearing industries.

Addendum

Next Steps in Artificial Intelligence

Representatives from Mercedes, Siemens, Beckhoff, Arburg, Hawe, KSB and Sick, among others, spent three days this summer discussing the relationship between humanoids and AI, the revival of reinforcement learning and AI utilization. As AI implementation becomes easier for manufacturers, the focus is evolving to address challenges and new opportunities across the entire industrial sector.

Product News

Nidec Introduces MGC300: A Next-Generation Multifunction Gear Center

Nidec Machine Tool Corporation has launched the MGC300, a state-of-the-art multitasking gear center designed to meet the evolving needs of the US gear manufacturing industry. Available now, the MGC300 combines a vertical 5-axis machining center with advanced gear-processing capabilities, delivering a powerful solution for manufacturers seeking to boost productivity, streamline operations, and reduce costs.

Fanuc Introduces Enhanced, Next-Gen Roboguide Robot Simulation Software

Rebuilt and redesigned, Fanuc announces the release of Roboguide Version 10, the latest and most advanced iteration of its offline robot programming and simulation software. Designed to enhance efficiency, visualization, and user experience, Roboguide continues to be the go-to solution for companies seeking to streamline automation design and implementation. 

DN Solutions Unveils NHP 6300 Horizontal Machining Center

DN Solutions recently unveiled its second-generation NHP 6300 horizontal machining center, offering reduced cycle times, enhanced spindle performance, and seamless automation integration.

Sandvik Coromant Introduces New Exchangeable–Tip Drill

Sandvik Coromant introduces its second-generation exchangeable-tip drill, CoroDrill DE10. Engineered for high-volume drilling across all materials, CoroDrill DE10 sets new standards in productivity, efficiency and sustainability. With its innovative geometry, this tool delivers true plug-and-play functionality and uncompromised performance.

EMAG Set to Present MSC 5 DUO at EMO 2025 in Hannover

In today's world, manufacturing companies are facing major challenges: increasing cost pressure, a shortage of skilled workers and rising energy costs. This combination requires machine tools that generate more output with less manpower and are energy-efficient at the same time. The MSC 5 DUO from EMAG was developed in response to these requirements and will be officially presented for the first time at EMO 2025 in Hanover.

Rego-Fix USA Highlights Automatic Tool Clamping Unit at Southtec

Rego-Fix USA will spotlight its ForceMaster spindle drawbar pull-force tester and its powRgrip PGS 25 Automatic Tool Clamping Unit at Southtec 2025 on October 21–23 in Booth #1337. Both the ForceMaster and the PGS 25 allow shops to maintain the highest precision and reliability in their part machining operations.

Industry News

In Memoriam: Barney Berlinger (1937–2025)

The gear and motion control industry mourns the passing of Barney Berlinger, founder of ASI Technologies and longtime contributor to the American Gear Manufacturers Association (AGMA). A respected engineer, entrepreneur, and leader, Barney’s impact on the industry spanned decades and will not be forgotten.

Seco/Warwick USA Promotes Tom Hart to Director of Sales for North America

Seco/Warwick USA has announced that Tom Hart has been promoted to director of sales for North America.

Solar Atmospheres of Western PA Begins Titanium Drop Bottom Furnace Installation

The foundation is now in place at Solar Atmospheres of Western PA for the installation of a state-of-the-art titanium drop-bottom water quench furnace.